Are the price breakpoints per wood type or overall number of orders?
Dat Wenge... :eek:
But dat price... :-[
I may have to go Walnut. Need to wait and see where order numbers are falling.
Personally, I love high gloss mirror like finish, I use the following steps for most of my project finishes:
(snipped)
Result: Glass Wood
What type of finish are you going to do on the Open Grain & Open Pore wood?
Wenge is a pain in the butt to work with, that stuff is literally toxic. Getting a smooth finish with Wenge and Zebra wood is quite a difficult task since the Pores tend to be large and are randomly spread out. Are you going to use clear filler?
Personally, I love high gloss mirror like finish, I use the following steps for most of my project finishes:
Apply appropriate Filler (normally I work a lot with Open Grain wood like Walnut, so I tend to stick with water based filler)
scrape off excess after dry
use burlap to remove rest of excess until all filler is removed
220 grit light sanding
apply sealer coat of lacquer
scuff sanding with 320 grit
8 coats of lacquer then let dry for 8-10 days
Level finish wet sand using dish soap and water and 400 grit
1500 grit
wipe down
1800 grit
wipe down
2400 grit
wipe down
3200 grit
wipe down
3600 grit
wipe down
6000 grit
wipe down
8000 grit
wipe down
12000 grit
wipe down
Finish with 16000 grit
Final wipe down
Pumice Stone mixed with dish soap and water to form a paste... rub it in
Rottenstone powder made into paste with our trusty dish soap and water. Then a whole lot of hard rubbing.
Result: Glass Wood
8 coats of lacquer then let dry for 8-10 days
A little amused that the most expensive wrist-rest is the one that's being bought the most. Also a little amused that it was the end-game of all my suggestions from the previous thread put together, even though no one suggested they agreed with me. :P
A little amused that the most expensive wrist-rest is the one that's being bought the most. Also a little amused that it was the end-game of all my suggestions from the previous thread put together, even though no one suggested they agreed with me. :P
Will we hit bulk pricing with zebrawood or wenge since 5 zebrawood/wenge and 5 wenge/zebrawood were picked so far?
Will we hit bulk pricing with zebrawood or wenge since 5 zebrawood/wenge and 5 wenge/zebrawood were picked so far?
Already hit at 4 each, so the GB status chart is currently showing the $20-25 per unit discount for wenge/zebra (that's what I get if I order a full board vs "retail" custom cut, I'm just passing that on). Oak is a smaller discount dollar-wise ~$5-6 discount, and walnut would be ~$10-12 if I remember right. I don't have the numbers right in front of me so don't quote this post, but they're all there in the order form.
EDIT: I should've added that price for *all* styles start dropping incrementally once we get over 20 orders, the chart showing that drop schedule is linked in the order form.
Thinkin of placing an order, but i wants da zebrawood- 1 quantity = 1 set (id get left & right wristrests?)
Thinkin of placing an order, but i wants da zebrawood- 1 quantity = 1 set (id get left & right wristrests?)
Yes, ordering quantity 1 will get you a full set, left & right.
We've crossed the 20 MOQ :thumb:, so prices will start dropping incrementally for all styles as orders come in!
In ;)
Thank you for your order!
What's the status of the Black Walnut & Padauk etc. people? Can they get notified that they need to change over their order or drop (re: MOQ)?
What's the status of the Black Walnut & Padauk etc. people? Can they get notified that they need to change over their order or drop (re: MOQ)?
No need to switch, those woods species just haven't hit their individual bulk pricing.
We will fill those orders at the current price shown on the chart - they still benefit from the overall cost share savings.
From:
Sent: Friday, March 24, 2017 10:04 AM
Subject: VE.A GB confirmation - need forum user name
Greetings!
We're wrapping up the group buy, and since you were an "early backer" we don't have a public / forum user name for you (we added that field to the form later).
Would you please reply to this message with your forum / reddit / whatever user name so I can update your order?
Thanks for helping make this happen!
- Ben (bendrexl)
I just received this email, it isn't clear if it is for this group buy. Any idea?QuoteFrom: *** [mailto:*****@gmail.com]
Sent: Friday, March 24, 2017 10:04 AM
Subject: VE.A GB confirmation - need forum user name
Greetings!
We're wrapping up the group buy, and since you were an "early backer" we don't have a public / forum user name for you (we added that field to the form later).
Would you please reply to this message with your forum / reddit / whatever user name so I can update your order?
Thanks for helping make this happen!
- Ben (bendrexl)
Yes it's for this group buy.
You can't tell litster by his wood species preference? Come on!
In the sample pics black walnut looks fully gray to me, but finishing seems to add a brownish tint to it.
Is the tint really a result of the finish?
Would I be able to get a raw black walnut, and would adding s clear finish maintain the gray color?
(if a mod happens by, would you mind removing my email addy from the above quotes? Hate to make things too easy for the spambots, right?)
So you suggested getting a raw oak and doing a gray stain on it, correct?
Incase I'll choose to try this, would it be possible to get one of the cutting left overs as shown in pic 7 to test stains on by any chance? xD
I went with black walnut & maple. =)
If possible I would like to get a completely raw and unfinished version, and a few cutting leftovers to test with please.
Thx for the help again bendrexl!
Tough choices, gonna go with the Wenge w/ Padauk.
Screw it. I'm in this for ya buddy.
I'm cool with matte, thanks!Totally a potato when it comes to woodworking, but what type of finish will these be? Matte or gloss?
matte. The form is supposed to be closed, but I'll do it tomorrow, so order now if you want it.
You can't tell litster by his wood species preference? Come on!
yeah, I should have known ;)
(if a mod happens by, would you mind removing my email addy from the above quotes? Hate to make things too easy for the spambots, right?)
I'm cool with matte, thanks!
Dang, sorry about the email. I glossed right over it.
Paid! To double check - "Wenge + Zebrawood" on my invoice means Wenge + Zebrawood inlay right?
payday is friday, this is still the no flake zone
e. all paid up! looking forward to using these at work. that will be the classiest setup in the office :p
Update: Still 3 invoices outstanding. :eek: If this is you, please get on it!
Update: Still 3 invoices outstanding. :eek: If this is you, please get on it!
Well, those 3 remained unpaid (4 sets) - which is a bummer since I had split my pre-production costs across all orders. Those are costs that will have to come out of future sales, but it's not the end of the world. We won't name any names, but please stick by your commitment if you for these small scale group buys with shared costs - it hurts if you back out after invoices are set and sent out.
Sneak peek at an "ebonized oak" set in progress - first finishing pass, these will be nearly black when finished:Show Image(http://i.imgur.com/YzKp17i.jpg)
Sneak peek at an "ebonized oak" set in progress - first finishing pass, these will be nearly black when finished:Show Image(http://i.imgur.com/YzKp17i.jpg)
I am generally not a fan of oak's grain pattern but damn, you really seem to know what you are doing :cool:
Materials update: Wenge and Zebrawood orders arrived at the shop from Seattle.
One of the Wenge planks was really, really light in color, I'm going to try to exchange that one - it's just not what you expect when you think "Wenge".
The other has a massive crack across right in the middle but otherwise looks nice. I may be able to work around the cracked area without wasting too much.
Thankfully, the Zebrawood plank they sent is just beautiful! :cool:
Production gallery update:
https://imgur.com/gallery/iZ5Sl (https://imgur.com/gallery/iZ5Sl)
Spoiler: Wenge + Padauk is a cool combo, everyone in the shop commented/drooled over the sized blanks I was working on today, photo in the gallery.
Keep the updates coming ben, appreciate the smexy wip shots =D
Great photos. I wish more group buys did this.
lookin B-E-A-utiful, ben. cannot wait to get my hands on them. think they will be done by june?
In other news, I got the replacement Wenge board - it is dark & beautiful. Almost 12" in width (I ordered 7.5" min), it's so heavy it takes two guys to move it. I'll grab a photo once it's up on the cutting table.Best news I've heard all day.
Looking good for the 100% wenge rests!
any new updates on these?
any new updates on these?
OMW to the shop now, I'll get an update together for Saturday at the latest with shiny photos.
Quick version: making progress here with the usual minor problems being worked around. completion of all orders will probably slip to the second week of June but I'll try to get orders in the mail as they're ready. Expect more Saturday!
Might hold onto it for other split boards, or if I ever buy a VE.A =)
Don't forget to keep mine raw & unfinished tho pls ;)
sorry if I missed it on my thread read-through but if there are any extras I'll gladly buy. Loving my ve.a, not loving the acrylic stand aesthetic.
Hey man great to meet you at Key Con! I'll see about Ben making a set for you!
You too man! That 5000 is the reason I had to buy a VE.A in the first place. So nice.
That'd be great, no big deal if not but I figured I'd ask.
Anyone else want a Ebonized Oak set that wasn't able to get in on the GB?
Ah, I appreciate it but I think that ebonized oak is the only color I'm not really excited about. Sorry.You too man! That 5000 is the reason I had to buy a VE.A in the first place. So nice.
That'd be great, no big deal if not but I figured I'd ask.Anyone else want a Ebonized Oak set that wasn't able to get in on the GB?
Have any interest in my set? =)
Production update
...
I have non-negotiable break for a trip to California for a wedding the 22nd-30th, but I'm busting my butt to get as many ready-to-ship before then (the finish has to be completely cured before I pack them up, so we'll see). The second wave (all remaining orders) will be out the door by July 10.
To be realistic there's still details around shipping I haven't set in stone yet, so worst case the "second wave" is actually all the orders. Thanks for your patience everyone!
thanks for the update, bendrexl. I'm still hoping to show these off at Seattle next weekend!
ok, so it's been a couple more weeks... what's up?
thanks for the update, bendrexl. I'm still hoping to show these off at Seattle next weekend!ok, so it's been a couple more weeks... what's up?
I'll be invoicing for the first 12 units (by order date) this week for shipment on Saturday; that wave will include yours roostrc0gburn :thumb:
Did I make it into the first 12?
thanks for the update, bendrexl. I'm still hoping to show these off at Seattle next weekend!ok, so it's been a couple more weeks... what's up?
I'll be invoicing for the first 12 units (by order date) this week for shipment on Saturday; that wave will include yours roostrc0gburn :thumb:
thanks for the update, bendrexl. I'm still hoping to show these off at Seattle next weekend!ok, so it's been a couple more weeks... what's up?
I'll be invoicing for the first 12 units (by order date) this week for shipment on Saturday; that wave will include yours roostrc0gburn :thumb:
tomorrow is saturday... still no invoice. anybody get an invoice yet?
I don't have my VE.A anymore, so if anyone is looking for one I'm down to transfer my order (black walnut + oak) before I pay for shipping, as long as bendrexl is cool with it.I just noticed your PM, and that's no problem. If you find someone who would be interested in a Wenge set, they are welcome to upgrade - one of the oak+walnut rests cracked, so I'm looking to remake one anyway.
thanks, i guess i need an interpreter because i understood that sentence to mean "invoicing... this week" and "shipping on saturday"
so i guess i will see an invoice tomorrow for shipping... when?
endgame, here i come
We still have ~1 month of buyer protection left
I am expecting _DELIVERY_ within the buyer protection window
180 days isn't asking too much
thanks for the update, alienman. i appreciate someone following up on this. still looking forward to invoice, shipping, and finally getting these
(Attachment Link)
We still have ~1 month of buyer protection left
I am expecting _DELIVERY_ within the buyer protection window
180 days isn't asking too much
Yep, I've been tracking this too - I assume at this rate a refund/re-invoice/opt-in would be necessary.
:'(
What's the schedule for the second batch Ben?
Will be in Tokyo for 2 weeks and can't receive orders during this time.
I'm really excited to get mine tho! <3
can you get me some topre?
What's the schedule for the second batch Ben?
Will be in Tokyo for 2 weeks and can't receive orders during this time.
I'm really excited to get mine tho! <3
What's the schedule for the second batch Ben?
Will be in Tokyo for 2 weeks and can't receive orders during this time.
I'm really excited to get mine tho! <3
I'm sending these out as they are ready, since I wasn't able to get any significant discount on shipping them all at once. Yours should be packed up by the 17th - let me know if I should wait.
Received mine on Friday. Unfortunately one of the four pieces is damaged. Working with Ben to get it fixed. Meanwhile, the black pair looks awesome.
Yes pls hold the package and send it around 25th pls.
Thank you very much Ben, stoked it won't be too long until I get this beauty! xD
not sure what disassembled costs.About $15 less.
If someone is looking to sell their rests or their spot, pm me. I'm interested.
sent you a PM yesterday pertaining to the status of my order ... thanks :blank: (sole zebrawood order)
not sure what disassembled costs.About $15 less.
sent you a PM yesterday pertaining to the status of my order ... thanks :blank: (sole zebrawood order)
Got it - just catching up...not sure what disassembled costs.About $15 less.
Interesting. Any other links for this board? I can't figure out the color options, even translate isn't very helpful:
[attachimg=1]
I haven't ordered from taobao before, anything I should know as a US buyer?
I got mine but it has weird bubbling all over. Is it supposed to look like this?Almost looks like heat damage to the surface finish.
https://imgur.com/a/gbjvf
I got mine but it has weird bubbling all over. Is it supposed to look like this?
I got mine but it has weird bubbling all over. Is it supposed to look like this?
(Attachment Link)
Nooooooo!!
:eek: :eek: :eek:
(Attachment Link)
Finish separation... I don't know what would cause that to happen during the course of shipping though. is it just the wenge, are there any bubbles the zebrawood? How about the underside?
Edit: I'm sending you return labels today, and I'm checking on the wenge sets I had ready to ship - I'm going to hold onto them until I know this isn't going to affect any others.
Appreciate the prompt attention to this! There are spots all over, I can get some more pics later and double check on the wood. There was a heat wave in the area while this was in transit, could that have caused it?
Appreciate the prompt attention to this! There are spots all over, I can get some more pics later and double check on the wood. There was a heat wave in the area while this was in transit, could that have caused it?
It must have been heat. It was about 90ºF here when I finished them, and I pre-sealed the wood days before applying the catalyzed polyurethane top coats, hard to believe there were enough trapped solvents to do that kind of damage. But, wenge has some pretty serious pores... and even one would be enough to ruin it.
I'm asking around to see what I can do to mitigate this in the ones I have ready to ship right. Apologies to those expecting tracking numbers today, but I don't want to send out any timebombs. Expect an update tomorrow...
Appreciate the prompt attention to this! There are spots all over, I can get some more pics later and double check on the wood. There was a heat wave in the area while this was in transit, could that have caused it?
It must have been heat. It was about 90ºF here when I finished them, and I pre-sealed the wood days before applying the catalyzed polyurethane top coats, hard to believe there were enough trapped solvents to do that kind of damage. But, wenge has some pretty serious pores... and even one would be enough to ruin it.
I'm asking around to see what I can do to mitigate this in the ones I have ready to ship right. Apologies to those expecting tracking numbers today, but I don't want to send out any timebombs. Expect an update tomorrow...
Hoping that mine is just an isolated incident. It did get both woods unfortunately (https://imgur.com/a/Iyakw)
Hoping that mine is just an isolated incident. It did get both woods unfortunately (https://imgur.com/a/Iyakw)
I just got my wenge set in and it looks fantastic! It managed to survive USPS and the Texas heat without any bubbling issues. Thanks again, bendrexyl!
bummer. that is the same one i ordered...
bummer. that is the same one i ordered...
I'm doing some stress testing - yours will arrive healthy & happy
thanks for the update, bendrexl. I'm still hoping to show these off at Seattle next weekend!ok, so it's been a couple more weeks... what's up?
I'll be invoicing for the first 12 units (by order date) this week for shipment on Saturday; that wave will include yours roostrc0gburn :thumb:
thanks, i guess i need an interpreter because i understood that sentence to mean "invoicing... this week" and "shipping on saturday"
so i guess i will see an invoice tomorrow for shipping... when?
That was confusing - my fault. Either way I missed the date - why? Simple answer is that I don't want to over/undercharge on shipping, and I haven't had the time to nail down the exact amounts for each of the 12 orders on my bench at the moment.
"Wait, what do you mean you haven't had time, Ben?!? You've had dozens of days, DOZENS!"
True, and I am really feeling the pressure to deliver quality product to all you incredibly patient folks. The more involved answer is that my own personal/IRL issues affecting this project's delays are real, but they're my own responsibility and I don't want to use them as excuses. I also don't want to cut any corners at this stage, so I'll take the time required to get it right. Keep in mind that I'm not exactly getting paid hourly and I can't take on any other projects until this one is done, so I'm very motivated to get this done and out the door! :)
What I really want to communicate is that there is *no* danger of not getting exactly what you already paid for - the only question is the exact date of delivery, which I am apparently incapable of estimating :P I am still making steady progress, and it won't be much longer now.
I know it's been a while but give Ben a break guys, I have seen GBs going way worse then this honestly.
I understand people's frustration to a point, but I don't think there's anything that can't be handled in a decent way.
I am still stoked to receive my rest, didn't mind the delays much and still have faith Ben will deliver an awesome piece
I fear we don't hold groupbuys to a high enough standard in this community and people take advantage (intentionally or otherwise) of our inability to hold them accountable. Our only accountability is Paypal and now my dispute duration is burnt and someone else is on the hook for the order I made. This is a pretty unfortunate position to be in.
Excuses and sadness and tiptoeing around professionalism aren't what gets us solutions to the problem - people are taking money in return for promises to deliver products... and then failing to deliver those products in a reasonable time frame or to the standards/parameters promised at the outset.
Petition to change "Group Buys and Preorders" to "Group Buys and Stockholm Syndrome".
I am still stoked to receive my rest, didn't mind the delays much and still have faith Ben will deliver an awesome piece
Same here. I'm gonna need a tracking number and some evidence in the tracking that shows the parcel has been received by the carrier by Wednesday or I'm starting the process with Paypal.
Edit: Start your communication through Paypal now so they have an official record of the dispute and you can show your good-faith attempt to reach some sort of amicable conclusion with the seller. This will expedite your refund if it comes to that.
Temps have turned cold this week, so I've ordered an infrared curing lamp that should arrive this Saturday to make sure all finish coats are completely cured before I ship them.
Temps have turned cold this week, so I've ordered an infrared curing lamp that should arrive this Saturday to make sure all finish coats are completely cured before I ship them.
Temps have turned cold this week, so I've ordered an infrared curing lamp that should arrive this Saturday to make sure all finish coats are completely cured before I ship them.
Thanks for the update, Ben. When you are ready, can you list out what other wrist rests you have in stock due to refunds and such? I might want to get one more set. Thanks.
Ironic you chose Pebble as an example given how it turned out.
Thanks for the update, Ben. I hope people will realize that it is worth the wait when they see the end product. I have been using my at work for the last few weeks. It has been rock solid. It is much more stabler than the acrylic pair that I have, and that acrylic pair was fairly stable.
How is the repair with mine? Thanks.
- Asbrodeus
- bchng
- zacheadams - transferred to KlarKuo
- JDragon
- WODAN
- rmendis
- KetchyKech
- MandrewDavis
- FoC_Tow
There are a few English Taobao proxies who are happy to take your money and even (partially) translate the site for you. I've used Taobao Focus before without any problems. Expect the usual 30 days shipping from China.
Take the item number from the Taobao URL (556970472669 in this case) and plug it into your English proxy's web site.
"Tea" is brown, by the way. ;)
don't use taobaofocus. Use taobaoring.com Taobao focus doesn't even let you combine orders which is so ****ty
There are a few English Taobao proxies who are happy to take your money and even (partially) translate the site for you. I've used Taobao Focus before without any problems. Expect the usual 30 days shipping from China.
Take the item number from the Taobao URL (556970472669 in this case) and plug it into your English proxy's web site.
"Tea" is brown, by the way. ;)
don't use taobaofocus. Use taobaoring.com Taobao focus doesn't even let you combine orders which is so ****ty
combining orders was/is/will be always available at Taobao (https://tbfocus.com) FOCUS. We usually do not combine orders which have been already packed for shipping at our warehouse, but you still can ask customer support to help. Otherwise, you can combine paid orders without any issue. Otherwise, please let me know your story.
don't pack stuff as soon as it comes in again, I will never use your services again or recommend them over taobaoring or superbuy. you also make people pay for stuff upfront even if out of stock.
There are a few English Taobao proxies who are happy to take your money and even (partially) translate the site for you. I've used Taobao Focus before without any problems. Expect the usual 30 days shipping from China.
Take the item number from the Taobao URL (556970472669 in this case) and plug it into your English proxy's web site.
"Tea" is brown, by the way. ;)
don't use taobaofocus. Use taobaoring.com Taobao focus doesn't even let you combine orders which is so ****ty
combining orders was/is/will be always available at Taobao (https://tbfocus.com) FOCUS. We usually do not combine orders which have been already packed for shipping at our warehouse, but you still can ask customer support to help. Otherwise, you can combine paid orders without any issue. Otherwise, please let me know your story.
don't pack stuff as soon as it comes in again, I will never use your services again or recommend them over taobaoring or superbuy. you also make people pay for stuff upfront even if out of stock.
^^^
taobaoring and superbuy are monumentally better
Picked mine up from the post office today. Very happy with the end product, can't find any defects in the wenge and it was packed very well. Big thanks to Alienman for putting this together!
Still getting used to the angle but very comfortable so far, and looks great of course.
Hi Ben. Did you get a chance to finish my half? Thanks.
Hi Ben. Did you get a chance to finish my half? Thanks.
It's still waiting in the shop :( I'll have it in the mail by Saturday.
Hi Ben. Did you get a chance to finish my half? Thanks.
It's still waiting in the shop :( I'll have it in the mail by Saturday.
Got it finished, added the feet, packed and label printed - in the mail tomorrow morning. I'll PM you the tracking number in a bit.
I received the repaired half. It looks great. Thank you.
Still getting used to the angle but very comfortable so far, and looks great of course.
Picked mine up from the post office today. Very happy with the end product, can't find any defects in the wenge and it was packed very well. Big thanks to Alienman for putting this together!
dat zebrawood good'ness ;D
Any updates on my order?
I received the repaired half. It looks great. Thank you.Still getting used to the angle but very comfortable so far, and looks great of course.Picked mine up from the post office today. Very happy with the end product, can't find any defects in the wenge and it was packed very well. Big thanks to Alienman for putting this together!dat zebrawood good'ness ;D
Where 'dem photos at? ;)Any updates on my order?
I've been winterizing the house, and transitioning out of my old job / into a new one, which has sucked the last 4 weeks of my life into a black hole.
My plan is to get enough room freed up in the shop to get my workbench setup again, and get the last stragglers done over the long holiday weekend.